Developing new electronics products requires assembling prototype printed circuit boards (PCBs) to verify designs before committing to full production. Choosing an experienced prototype assembly provider is crucial for delivering high-quality boards during the new product introduction (NPI) phase.

This article profiles the top 10 PCB assembly service providers for prototyping based on factors like capabilities, experience, quality, cost, and customer service.

1. RayMing Technology

Founded in 2005, RayMing is a leading global provider of prototype to mid-volume PCB assembly services. With facilities in China, RayMing leverages highly efficient operations and technical expertise to deliver assembled boards with unparalleled quality and cost-competitiveness.

Core Competencies

• 01005 passives, 0.3mm pitch, 6 mil line/space
• BGAs, 0201 passives, 0.4mm pitch components
• Double-sided to complex multilayer, HDI, and flex-rigid
• Quick turn 24-48 hour assembly available
• Global logistics network provides rapid delivery

Industries Served

• Consumer electronics
• Automotive
• Industrial
• Medical
• Communications
• Military/aerospace

Certifications

• ISO 9001
• ISO 13485
• AS 9100D
• IPC 610, J-STD-001

With its cutting-edge technical capabilities, RayMing is the ideal assembly partner for high-mix, low-to-medium volume prototype through early production ramps.

2. Sierra Circuits

Headquartered in California, Sierra Circuits provides fast PCB prototype assembly including same-day turnaround. They specialize in early stage prototyping to jumpstart product development cycles.

Core Capabilities

• Same day assembly available
• 01005 components, 0.4mm pitch, 8 mil trace/space
• Double sided through 6-8 layers
• Medium volume capabilities up to 1000 units

Industries Served

• Medical
• Defense
• Industrial
• Consumer

Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015
• ITAR registered
• IPC 610, J-STD-001

Sierra Circuits is an ideal choice for US-based customers needing ultra-fast assembled prototype boards to facilitate agile development.

3. Advanced Assembly

Advanced Assembly provides quick-turn SMT assembly and small-batch electronics manufacturing out of their Silicon Valley headquarters. They deliver exceptional customer service and quality for prototype through early production.

Core Capabilities

• 0201 components, 0.4mm pitch, 6 mil trace/space
• Double-sided to 12+ layers
• Medium volumes up to 500 pcs
• Functional test development

Industries Served

• Consumer electronics
• Automotive
• Communications
• Industrial
• Medical

Certifications

• ISO 9001
• IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3
• IPC J-STD-001

Advanced Assembly’s West Coast location, veteran expertise, and rigorous quality make them a trusted assembly partner for electronics innovators.

4. Twin Oaks Technologies

Located in California’s Silicon Valley, Twin Oaks Technologies is a full-service provider of PCB assembly, box-build, and product integration. They offer rapid delivery of medium complexity prototypes at competitive pricing.

Core Capabilities

• 0402 passives, BGAs, 0.5mm pitch
• Rigid and flex PCBs
• Conformal coating, potting
• Design for manufacturing guidance

Industries Served

• Medical
• Defense/aerospace
• Industrial
• Transportation

Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 13485
• IPC 610 Class 2 and 3
• J-STD-001

Twin Oaks overcomes typical prototype challenges with decades of engineering expertise producing robust, testable prototypes.

5. Screaming Circuits

Oregon-based Screaming Circuits specializes in ultra-fast assembly of prototype and low volume PCBs with easy online ordering. They leverage a highly optimized process to deliver in under 2 business days.

Core Capabilities

• 8 mil trace/space
• Double sided through multilayer boards
• Online DFM analysis
• Passive components to BGAs

Industries Served

• R&D
• Education
• Medical
• Defense

Certifications

• ISO 9001
• IPC-A-610
• J-STD-001

Screaming Circuits’ streamlined online experience and rapid West Coast delivery makes navigating prototyping simple.

6. imagineering, inc.

Based in Minnesota, imagineering provides advanced PCB assembly serving customers from Fortune 500 companies to startups and inventors. Their experience and engineering depth produce high-reliability prototypes.

Core Capabilities

• 0201 components, microBGAs, 0.3mm pitch
• 0.2 mm traces/spaces
• Double sided – multilayer boards
• Design optimization
• Functional test development

Industries Served

• Medical devices
• Military/aerospace
• Automotive
• Consumer electronics

Certifications

• ISO 13485
• ISO 9001
• IPC 610 Class 2 & 3
• ITAR registered

imagineering’s broad technical expertise and rigorous quality system allows them to take on complex, high-performance projects.

7. Bittele Electronics

An electronics contract manufacturer based in Canada, Bittele offers advanced PCB assembly capabilities targeted at low volume, high-mix products. Their technical skills aid customers through the prototyping phase.

Core Capabilities

• 0201 passives, 0.15mm traces/spaces
• Double sided to 20+ layers
• Flex and rigid-flex PCBs
• Functional test development

Industries Served

• Medical
• Communications
• Hardware startups
• Automotive
• Industrial

Certifications

• IPC-A-610 Class 3
• ISO 9001
• ISO 13485 registered
• ITAR registered

Bittele’s wide-ranging expertise in mixed-technology builds makes them well-suited for complex prototyping projects.

8. RUSH PCB

RUSH PCB provides fast 3 day assembly of prototype boards to test form, fit, and function. Their U.S. facilities focus on navigating the critical stage between design completion and production release.

Core Capabilities

• 0402 passives, large components
• 6 mil lines/spaces
• Double-sided to 6 layers
• Solder mask, silkscreen, soldering

Industries Served

• R&D engineering groups
• Education/academic
• Medical
• Defense
• General electronics

Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015
• IPC-A-610 Class 2 & 3
• IPC J-STD-001

RUSH PCB’s rapid prototyping services assists U.S. innovators in progressing designs quickly to functional prototypes.

9. RedTree Prototyping

Located in British Columbia, RedTree specializes in quick-turn PCB assembly with a focus on flexibility and ease of use. Their simplified process allows engineers to get prototypes in days not weeks.

Core Capabilities

• 0402 passives, large BGAs
• 6 mil trace/space
• 2 to 12 layers
• Small through medium quantities

Industries Served

• Electronics startups
• Education
• OEM R&D departments
• Independent inventors

Certifications

• IPC-A-610 Class 3
• IPC J-STD-001
• ESD control procedures

RedTree’s transparent, engineer-friendly approach to PCB assembly streamlines prototyping, allowing companies to innovate faster.

10. Sunstone Circuits

Sunstone Circuits provides quick-turn PCB fab and assembly services out of their Oregon facility. They aim to work as an extension of customers’ engineering teams during prototyping.

Core Capabilities

• 0201 passives, 0.3mm pitch components
• 6 mil trace/space
• 2 to 12 layer PCBs
• Medium scale volumes

Industries Served

• Startups
• Academic research
• Aerospace/defense
• General product development

Certifications

• ISO 9001:2015
• IPC-A-610 Class 2 & 3
• IPC J-STD-001

Sunstone’s veteran expertise in advanced PCB technologies facilitates fabrication of high-quality prototype boards in 3 to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about prototype PCB assembly manufacturers:

What are the benefits of using a specialized prototype assembler?

Prototype assemblers offer fast turnarounds, small quantity orders, and supportive engineering services not typically feasible with mass production houses.

What volume capabilities do prototype assemblers provide?

Most offer small batch assembly in quantities of 5-25 boards up to around 100-500 units. Some can scale higher volumes.

What types of quality certifications do these assemblers have?

Most leading prototype assemblers adhere to IPC standards like IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001. Many are ISO 9001 certified with some ISO 13485 medical certified as well.

Do prototype assemblers handle only simple boards?

No, most have capabilities to populate even complex multilayer boards with microvias, 0201 components, fine features, and large BGAs or connectors.

How long does prototype PCB assembly normally take?

Lead times range from 24-48 hours for the fastest turnarounds through 5 days up to 2 weeks for more advanced boards. Expedited schedules are available.